New research by the charity Balance North East shows that parents are twice as likely as non-parents to be drinking more heavily during the pandemic.
Among those who drink alcohol, it found parents are around twice as likely (38%) as non-parents (18%) to be drinking more often since before the pandemic .
Parents (31%) were also more likely to be drinking more units on a typical drinking day, compared to non-parents (17%).
Read more about Balance's research findings here .
Read the statement below by Adfam Chief Executive, Vivienne Evans, reflecting on the findings, or watch here on Twitter .
These findings from Balance are worrying. We know the effects of alcohol use in the family can go well beyond the direct effects on the person who is drinking.
Even when someone is not classed as dependent, children can find it worrying and unsettling if they see a parent binge drinking or drunk. Alcohol can lead to rows and family tension. Children also copy their parents and what they see at home might also shape their own behaviour around alcohol in the future.
Living with a loved one who uses alcohol has a huge impact on the whole family. We are seeing that the usual daily challenges associated with a parent or family member’s alcohol or drug problem – fear, domestic abuse, isolation, loneliness, and mental stress – are being exacerbated by the lockdown measures.
A staggering 88% of the families that we surveyed in our ‘Families in Lockdown’ survey told us that the first lockdown negatively impacted on their family member’s alcohol, drug or gambling problem. A third of families experienced an increase in verbal abuse from their family member and 13% feel more concerned than usual for their safety.
As drug and alcohol misuse is so stigmatised, we know that many young people are scared to seek support, and for many children affected by parental substance use, the lockdown impedes them from the safety of the school environment. We know that with the right kind of support, children and young people can navigate this challenging time. We urge families not to wait until breaking point.
Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive - Adfam